New Jersey Car Accident Guide

New Jersey Car Accident Guide

New Jersey sees roughly 280,000 reported car accidents each year. This guide explains what drivers in New Jersey should know about reporting deadlines, insurance claims, fault rules, and the situations where professional legal help tends to be worth the call.

New Jersey at a Glance

Why New Jersey Is Different

New Jersey's CHOICE no-fault system is unique — drivers select between Basic Policy and Standard Policy, then choose Verbal Threshold vs No Threshold. This is distinct from pure no-fault states. Property damage SOL (6 years) is the longest among all 10 states. NJ significantly increased Standard Policy minimums in two phases: 15/30/5 → 25/50/25 (2023) → 35/70/25 (2026). Property damage claims are always fault-based regardless of policy choice.

Step-by-Step Guides for New Jersey

When Professional Help Tends to Make Sense

Most minor accidents in New Jersey are resolved between the drivers and their insurance companies without ever involving an attorney. Many accident victims, however, consider consulting an attorney when one or more of the following applies:

• A fatality occurred, or a wrongful-death claim may be involved
• Medical bills are already in the tens of thousands of dollars, or still growing
• There is a permanent injury, visible scar, or any sign of traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• The insurance company's first settlement offer feels far below your actual costs
• The insurance company is arguing that your injuries are pre-existing, or trying to shift primary fault onto you
• Multiple vehicles or multiple parties are involved and liability is unclear
• Fault is disputed — especially relevant given New Jersey's 51% bar modified comparative fault rule
• The New Jersey statute of limitations for personal injury (2 years from the accident) is within six months
• A government vehicle, commercial truck, or rideshare driver is involved
• The other driver was uninsured, underinsured, or fled the scene (hit-and-run)
• Your injuries exceed New Jersey's no-fault / PIP threshold and you want to step outside the no-fault system

Recent Editorial Notes on New Jersey Law

• 2026: New Jersey increased Standard Policy minimum liability from 25/50/25 to 35/70/25 effective January 1, 2026 (Phase 2). Phase 1 increased from 15/30/5 to 25/50/25 on January 1, 2023.

Sources: NJSA 39:6A-1 et seq. (No-Fault Law); NJSA 39:6A-8 (Lawsuit Threshold); NJSA 2A:15-5.1 (Comparative Fault); NJSA 2A:14-2 (SOL - Personal Injury); NJ DOBI Auto Insurance Guidelines; AICRA (1998)